According to Cointelegraph, U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators said they have prevented hundreds of ransomware attacks and seized $4.3 billion worth of extorted cryptocurrencies since 2021.
U.S. government agencies were the primary targets, accounting for 21 percent of blocked attacks, Mike Prado, deputy director of the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crime Center, said in the Oct. 4 report.
Since its creation in 2021, the unit has prevented 537 ransomware attacks and tracked and seized $4.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency stolen through ransom payments.
Prado said HIS takes proactive steps to stop ransomware attacks by analyzing internet traffic, looking for signs of malicious activity and monitoring software vulnerabilities.
The goal of HIS is to detect and stop attacks before they happen. Prado said they are watching multiple criminal gangs that are constantly trying to obtain cryptocurrency.
However, this approach has drawbacks, as it is difficult to prosecute hackers after an attack has been prevented.
If an attack occurs, HIS notifies government agencies, companies and other potential victims and coordinates with 235 U.S. offices, local police departments and other federal agencies.
Chainalysis found in its Aug. 15 report that ransomware revenue increased 2% in 2024, from $449.1 million to $459.8 million. By the end of 2023, total crypto-ransomware payments recorded reached $1 billion.
At the same time, the maximum payment amount increased by 96% year-on-year and 335% compared to 2022.
Chainalysis also recorded the largest ransomware payment ever, with the Dark Angels gang receiving $75 million.